By Georgina Maka’a
Body of a Air Niugini pilot who died in Honiara after being hit by a car last Sunday along the Kukum Highway will leave the country this weekend.
Francis Emosi Fred Puni, 48, of Cook Islands and Samoan descent, lost his life after he was hit by the car outside a Fish & Chips shop along the highway.
Driver of the car, a 20-year-old male police say was intoxicated, has been arrested and detained in custody.
Pilot Puni, who is based in Port Moresby, flew into Honiara last Saturday to visit his brother Dr Teariki Puni, who was the doctor for the Cook Islands contingent that participated in the 17th Pacific Games hosted by Solomon Islands.
Cook Islands News reported today that Pilot Puni’s body will be taken to Port Moresby in the weekend for a funeral service before he is flown to Samoa where he’ll be buried.
His brother, Dr Puni, has stayed back in Honiara waiting for the release of the body so that he could accompany it back home.
Cook Islands News said Pilot Puni has been working with Air Niugini for more than 15 years. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Head of police traffic William Foufaka explained the car that hit Pilot Puna was travelling in an easterly direction at high speed. The 20-year-old driver was allegedly drunk.
Foufaka said when the vehicle reached Saru beach, it veered off the road and hit the rail outside from the low lane, which pushed the vehicle back to the high lane.
“The vehicle was still going at the same speed and hit the middle Island at St. Nicholas Junction,” Foufaka said.
“After the hit, the vehicle jumped and hit the rail outside of the low lane again, which twisted the vehicle and hit the deceased,” he added.
Foufaka said investigation into the accident is continuing and asked those present at the scene to assist police with information.
Hundreds of tributes and messages of condolences have been posted online for the Puni family.
Meanwhile, Cook Islands Sports National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) said:
“On behalf of the CISNOC Board, staff, and all our National Federation members, we want to express our heartfelt sympathy during this difficult time.
“Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
“May you find strength and solace in the cherished memories you shared with your brother.
“In this time of sorrow, we stand united as a sports community, offering our support and extending our sincerest condolences.”